In 1998, my father-in-law gave me a ~70's 4HP 24" Ariens snow blower

[echris 1,425]

In 1998, my father-in-law gave me a ~70's 24" 4HP Ariens 2 stage snow blower that he found on this side of the road. He said he didn't know if it worked and wanted me to check it out.
I pulled the starter rope and the crankcase went, "whhhhhhhhhhhheeeee". Grandpa didn't notice the hole in the side of the block. lol.

He didn't want it and gave it to me.
I found, I think at Northern Tools, a 5 HP Tecumseh Snow King direct bolt on replacement, brand new for like $125-150.00.
"Woohoo, 20% more power!"
Tore the whole machine down and mainly only needed stripping, primer, paint, adjustment and lube. I think I only replaced the belts. Shoes and scraper bar were fine.
That was 1998-1999.

I've used it every winter since. Only replace oil, belts and (duh) shear pins.
Shoes are now shot, new scraper is already in stock.
I love this tiny beast.

Edited June 12, 2020 by echris

[echris 1,425]

Oh, and I replaced the friction disc once too. That was about 5-8 years ago.

I love old machines.

Edited June 12, 2020 by echris

[ebinmaine 67,279]

6 hours ago, echris said:

love old machines

Right there with ya

[SylvanLakeWH 25,493]

[WHX?? 48,784]

Ok @echris and the  are where?!?!? 

[D_Mac 8,593]

I picked up this all original Gilson Snow Blower at a garage sale few years back. The thing shinned like a new penny all with its original paint. Solid rubber tires. Sold it to a buddy who in no time trashed it. Odd design, see the photo of the engine, you had to pull that knob up for full throttle. So as you ran it the vibration would cause the lever to come down, losing power. I cut a piece of hose to put around it to keep the throttle up. When I got it I think maybe it was used like once or twice. Early 70's I think

[echris 1,425]

5 hours ago, WHX24 said:

Ok @echris and the  are where?!?!? 

I thought of that after I posted. It was kinda late though. I'll have to wash her up and take some photos.

 

4 hours ago, D_Mac said:

Odd design, see the photo of the engine, you had to pull that knob up for full throttle. So as you ran it the vibration would cause the lever to come down, losing power. I cut a piece of hose to put around it to keep the throttle up. When I got it I think maybe it was used like once or twice. Early 70's I think

 

 

 

 

I could be wrong, but can't you rotate the knob to lock the throttle open?!? Either way, she was a beaut!